2024 Lincoln Nautilus Is a Quiet Revolution

Sometimes, a screen is so big that it overshadows the rest of the car. That's the case with the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. After all, it's hard to see the words "48.0-inch screen" and think about much else. However, the Nautilus's new generation represents a broader shift for Lincoln, and the tech isn't even the most important part of this change. A 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is still standard, but the uprated twin-turbo V-6 is gone, and in its place is a new 310-hp hybrid powertrain. All-wheel drive is now standard, and there's plenty of new onboard tech—including that four-foot dashboard display—but it's a newfound attention to detail that really sets this mid-size luxury SUV apart.

Senses and Sensibility

The Nautilus's exterior design is more sculptural than before, with door handles integrating into the beltline rather than interrupting the gently waved surfaces below, but the interior really highlights Lincoln's newfound eye for the small stuff. Interior materials are vastly improved over last year's model—and some parts feel higher-quality than what's in the more expensive three-row Aviator. Most interior plastics hide behind a softer layer of material, and what remains is of sufficient quality to avoid detracting from the upmarket vibe.

And then there's the 48.0-incher. This panoramic screen integrates into a larger sweeping wall that wraps around the dash and extends to the door panels. The dashboard that separates you from the screens is low and flat, giving the impression that you're sitting at a dining room table. It's startling at first, but we acclimated quickly; the displays blend in and are noticeably less distracting than a traditional infotainment arrangement.

A system called Lincoln Rejuvenate intends to give the Nautilus some wellness appeal and uses the SUV's panoramic display and available seat-massage feature, integrated fragrance diffuser, and surround-sound stereo system as a sort of guided meditation to help you relax. The system works only when the Nautilus is stationary, because it reclines the seat and could easily lull you to sleep if you let it.

Although it does the trick, Rejuvenate is the one part of the cabin that comes off as mildly gimmicky. The massage and scent features can be enjoyed while driving, too, just not with the associated meditative sounds and imagery, and they're remarkably effective. Our drive route consisted of over 160 miles of asphalt from Palm Springs to the California mountain town of Idyllwild and back, and at the end, we stepped out of the Nautilus feeling thoroughly relaxed.

Easygoing, Not Lazy

Relaxed is the best way to describe the Nautilus's road manners too. We spent time in a hybrid Black Label model with 22-inch wheels, as well as a gas-only Reserve with 21s. Both were exceptionally quiet as we wound our way through the mountain roads of the southern half of San Bernardino National Forest. Even though sporting pretension isn't exactly the SUV's forte, we made sure to try out the sharper Excite drive mode during the twistier bits. Excite firms the Nautilus's available adaptive dampers and adds a bit more heft to the otherwise numb steering, but it doesn't exactly transform this luxury cruiser into an apex-nipping machine.